The Needy King and a Sage

A gentle sage walked through a busy capital city. On the road he found a single coin. He did not need it, for he lived a simple life. So he decided to give it to someone who truly needed help.

All day he walked the streets. He saw people working, laughing, and sharing food. Everyone seemed happy with what they had. When night came, he still held the coin.

The next morning, the king rode out with a great army. He stopped when he saw the sage.

“Great Sage,” said the king, “bless me. I go to war so my kingdom can grow bigger.”

The sage thought for a moment, then placed the single coin in the king’s hand.

The king frowned. “I am rich. What use is one coin to me?”

The sage replied, “Yesterday I looked for someone in need. Your people looked content. But today I see a king who already has so much—and still wants more. So I felt you needed this coin more than anyone.”

The king’s heart grew quiet. He saw his mistake. He stopped the war and rode home wiser than before.

Moral

Learn to be happy with what you have. Wanting more is fine, but do not forget to enjoy today. Do not compare all the time—live with a thankful heart.